Robert “Bob” Duane Maris, 88, of Mesa, Arizona, entered Heaven’s gates to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, with his wife by his side.
Bob was born at home to parents James and Katherine Maris on October 29, 1931 near Lovell, Oklahoma. He was the third oldest of seven children. He attended Sterling College in Kansas and graduated with an architectural engineering degree from Kansas State University. Upon completion of his two-year service to our country in the Army, Bob went to Gary, Indiana, to work for American Bridge as a structural steel engineer. He remained a structural engineer until he retired from Massman Construction in Kansas City, Missouri.
At the age of 11, Bob attended Vacation Bible School in Frederick, KS, where he learned about Jesus, and there he accepted Christ as his Savior. Over the years Bob served in church as Sunday School teacher, deacon, choir member and usher, and was always willing to serve wherever needed. For many years he sang with his wife and children in church and nursing homes. He was an example to all of a faithful husband and father, as well as follower of Christ.
Bob is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Gizella (nee Keleman); his children, Donna (Paul) Bair of Newburgh, IN, Diane (Bob) Gilbert of Greer, SC, Laura (Mick) Wrigley of Nashville, TN, Jim (Amy) Maris of Modesto, CA, Richard (Adrienne) Maris of Greenville, SC and Linda (Roger) Williams of Mesa, AZ; his 16 grandchildren and his 3 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Nancy Potter, Katherine Cundith and Eleanor (Bill) Young; numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, Martin, David and Steven.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that any donations be sent to Calvary Baptist Church, Mesa, AZ, toward support of Mike and Jeannette Clark, missionaries to Iliamna, Alaska.